The US has issued a warning to residents in Texas and other areas to stay alert as they receive unexpected packages containing unidentified seeds, believed to be from China. Since February 2025, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has gathered over 1,100 packs of these unsolicited seeds from 109 locations in Texas, highlighting a significant biosecurity concern for the state. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller emphasized the potential threat these seemingly harmless packages pose to the state’s agriculture and urged prompt reporting and proper disposal of such deliveries.
The issue of mysterious seed packages is not confined to Texas alone, with similar instances reported across the US in 2025, including in Ohio, New Mexico, and Alabama. The last collection of unsolicited seed packages in Texas occurred on December 29, 2025, indicating a widespread problem that extends beyond state borders. Despite these developments, China has not yet responded to the reports of seeds being sent from its territory, raising further concerns about the origin and intent behind these deliveries.
The Texas Department of Agriculture was alerted to the situation early in February when a resident in Clute, Texas, received a package from China containing unidentified seeds and an unknown liquid. Following this incident, TDA issued a cautionary advisory to residents, emphasizing the potential risks associated with planting or handling seeds of unknown origin. The agency stressed the importance of preventing the introduction of invasive species or other threats to the local agricultural ecosystem, underscoring the need for vigilance and responsible action in dealing with such packages.
